The Puits Couriot mine was the final coal mine to close in the Saint-Étienne area, ceasing production in 1973.
The 'salle des pendus' (hanging room) allowed miners to hoist their street clothes to the ceiling using chains to keep them dry while they worked underground.
The museum complex is classified as a Monument Historique in France.
The park surrounding the museum was reclaimed from the original mine tailings, demonstrating an ecological rehabilitation of industrial waste land.
The site features an impressive central headframe, or 'chevalement,' which serves as a landmark for the city's industrial landscape.
Couriot - Musée de la Mine is a preserved industrial site located at the former Puits Couriot coal mine, which was the largest mine in the Saint-Étienne coalfield. The museum features original machinery, including a large winding engine that once brought miners and coal to the surface. Visitors can explore the underground galleries that simulate the working conditions of miners through immersive soundscapes and equipment displays. The site retains the historic pithead buildings, headframes, and washrooms, known as the 'lampisterie' and 'salle des pendus.' It provides a comprehensive view of the socio-economic history of Saint-Étienne, a city defined by its deep mining roots. The museum grounds include an expansive public park designed on the site of the former slag heaps. The exhibits detail the technical evolution of extraction methods and the daily lives of the workforce. Educational spaces interpret the industrial heritage through curated photographic and artifact collections. It stands as a significant example of French industrial archaeology.
The elevated walkway in the park providing a framed view of the large metal headframe against the sky.
Take a guided tour to access deeper sections of the underground installations not fully interpreted through self-guided walks.
Bring a light jacket, as the underground galleries remain significantly cooler than the surface, even in summer.
Explore the surrounding park trails after the museum visit for panoramic views of the city hills.
Attempting to visit during public holidays without checking the website, as operating patterns often shift.
Closed on Mondays and major public holidays.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes with good grip for navigating ramps and industrial floor surfaces.
